There is nothing that maintains your home’s value better than regular maintenance. A good home maintenance plan will save you time and money against costly repairs or replacements like drains, burst pipes and leaking roofs. Your insurer will have no excuse in rejecting a claim if he/she can see the lack of ongoing maintenance on your property.

The overall condition of your home is often a deciding factor in selling, both with the interior and exterior being in the best possible condition. Nobody wants to buy a house with a mountain of maintenance to do lists, unless you are selling to a contractor who will pay much less having to fix and remarket the house.

Over time, annual maintenance costs can get out of hand. It’s best to have a budget and separate account for the ongoing upkeep, repairs, and special projects. Start with weekly or monthly garden maintenance and set a date to keep things organised. That’s simple enough to begin with, right?

The best way to keep on top of home maintenance is to have a systematic maintenance programme, including regular weekly or monthly tasks as well as seasonal and annual jobs. The plan should cover a home’s general appearance.

Tips for easy maintenance

Clear drains and gutters before the rainy season. Attend to broken glass, old dried up putty and rusted window frames. Scrap off peeling paint, repair and repaint to avoid the whole area from seeming in poor shape. Call in pest control if you cannot manage the problem yourself. Check for faulty globes. Look out for and repair any water leaks, or call in a plumber to take a look. Inspect the main electrical panel for rust or water marks which would indicate moisture build up. Periodically turn all breakers off and on to ensure they are in working order. All fuses should be tightened. If the panel is warm to the touch or smells of burned insulation, contact an electrician. Keep the area around the panel clear for easy access.

Where possible, do the jobs yourself to save on labour costs, and hire professionals for dangerous or specialised jobs. You don’t want your plumber working on your electrical problem.

Get out your little black book with the list of reliable artisans, starting with a handyman or general contractor who can handle a broad range of jobs. Wait until you have at least two or three jobs that can be done all at once to save on call out fees if they are charged by your required contractor.

Annual tasks will include doors and windows. Replace broken or cracked panes of glass and apply new putty where needed. If you see a repair job, act immediately. Don’t wait for the annual list to get this done and dusted. Avoid the complete rot and disrepair. Finishes should be checked for paint deterioration and dampness. Also ensure that all seals around doors and windows keep drafts out. Check up on insulation around doors and windows as this will save on heating and cooling costs. Check that door frames are properly fitted. Bent door frames or those showing some movement during a relatively short period such as six months may indicate structural problems.

Inspect tiled roofs for damaged or missing tiles which should be repaired or replaced, as a leaking roof can cause serious water damage, both on the roof and inside your home. Check flat roofs for any blistering or bubbles. Make sure all debris is cleared from the roof and trim away any trees or branches that could cause damage going forward.

Check chimneys for loose or damaged bricks or mortar and have chimneys swept professionally once a year to remove build-up of flammable by-products inside the chimney flute if you burn wood. For gas-burning appliances, only a licensed gas technician should be called to inspect them properly and safely.

Keep gutters and downpipes clear of leaves and debris to prevent clogging. Check for blockages and leaks from holes or joints. Water must always drain away from the house.

Paint also acts as a protective layer against the elements. Paint prevents metal areas from rusting and wooden areas from rotting.

Walls and ceilings should be inspected for cracks in interior finishes and any damp areas. Fill any cracks. Note any water stains on the interiors and monitor regularly. Moisture or damp in the ceiling could cause sagging or even collapse, as well as mould which could be detrimental to your health.

Wooden decks must be properly sealed and regularly checked. If water is seeping into the wood, it must be sanded and resurfaced.  All wooden sections should also be checked for rot and insect infestation. Ensure that steps and railings are properly secured.

Look out for any leaking taps in the kitchen or bathrooms, which usually result from washers that need to be replaced. Make sure toilets are sealed as not to lose water unnecessary leaving you to pay for the wastage. Check grouting and sealant around all bathroom fixtures and renew as necessary.

Inspect the garage the walls of the structure for cracks, dampness. Check all wooden components for evidence of rot or insect infestation and paint or treat as necessary.

Driveways, pavements, and sidewalks are often overlooked. Check these areas for cracks and wear, and correct any hazardous uneven sections. Make sure you do not have areas where water could be running off towards the house.

Maintaining your home regularly and making good professional repairs will not only save you money in the long run, but it makes for a happy and safe environment for your family too.